Firm launches copyright/trademark case on behalf of DEAD KENNEDYS

January 9, 2019 – Firm partner David Given and associate Mike Levinson today filed an action against online vendor Viralstyle on behalf of the legendary punk rock band DEAD KENNEDYS.  The client’s complaint contends that its name and iconic DK logo have been copied and used without its permission on apparel and other merchandise manufactured and sold by Viralstyle, in violation of federal copyright and trademark law.  Late last year the band discovered the Viralstyle website and asked the company to remove that apparel from its website, which it refused to do.  Filed in the federal district court in San Francisco, the client’s lawsuit includes state law claims for common law trademark misuse and unfair trade practices in addition to the infringement claims under federal law.  Further proceedings in the matter are pending.

UPDATE – March 4, 2019 – The parties have resolved their dispute, and DEAD KENNEDYS filed a dismissal of its lawsuit today.